Let the Little Children Come

As we talk about discipling children, I know this feels like a big task.  How can I minister to my children like Jesus did with his disciples? I was encouraged by the message on Sunday.  First off, let’s define what it means to disciple. Simply put to disciple means ‘to train’.   God calls us to train our children.  It is hard to know where to start with that and I know that I am a work in progress when it comes to training my children to know the Lord.  The message Sunday was an encouragement that children are the best evangelists!  We need to be more like them.  Children have a knowledge of God from the beginning. They embrace the King and therefore embrace the kingdom.  Discipling our children should be a natural extension of our time.  And we will never regret spending time with children. 

One way you can disciple your children is by doing family devotions together.  We have tried family devotions, and my expectations were quickly crushed.  I had the idea that we would all sit quietly together and read Scripture together, followed by praying and singing.  This may NOT happen the first time around if you have little children.  Jesus accepted the children with their wiggles and loud voices.  Why can’t I?  It is ok for there to be distractions during this time.  Discipling is training.  You don’t train for a marathon by running 26.2 miles the day before and calling yourself ready.  Discipleship will take time.  There are many resources for you to choose from that will fit the needs of your family.  Please note, not every family devotion time will look the same.  For some, this may be a designated time at the beginning of each day.  For others, it may happen during dinnertime.  And for some, it may happen right before bed.  It does not matter how you disciple your children, it only matters that you are intentional about training them to know the Lord.  I encourage you to share with someone the plans you have for family devotions so that someone is praying with you for that time.  We are all a work in progress.

How can you bless your children at home? 

How can you bless the children at church?

Let’s encourage each other to build up our families in Christ!